The Shell Show is at Balgowlah RSL which is not
at Balgowlah. It is behind the row of shops at Seaforth (30-38 Ethel
Street, Seaforth NSW 2092)

Manly is only 4km, 6minutes drive, from the
RSL at Seaforth. There are also government busses, taxis and free hop
skip jump bus between Seaforth and Manly Wharf. Seaforth drop off points
are no more than 150m from the RSL. Manly is a major tourist
destination, so while there is a lot of accommodation it can book out
early, or only have higher priced rooms left. This makes it near
impossible for us to recommend individual hotels, as each has limited
numbers of low cost rooms. The only way to select and book cheap
accommodation in Manly is to do it all on the net, or then call them.
There is always something on at Manly. On the week of our show the
International Surf Board Riding Competition is at Manly Beach. You have
to pay to get into a beach grandstands to watch. But great atmosphere
around Manly Ocean side. Please book Manly accommodation early

Manly has three 4 star hotels, Sebel
(02)99778866 and Novotel Manly Pacific (02)99777666 from $250/night
on the ocean side, and the Quest Manly (02) 99764600 near the
wharves and transport on the harbour side from $350/night.

Many nice hotels for $150-$200/night. Ones
towards the harbour side, or a block or two off “The Corso” will be
cheaper.

Many Lodges with shared shower facilities.
$90 - $150/night

Pub accommodation around $100/night. (Might be noisy on
weekends).

Many many bed and
breakfast places, and a few dormitory youth hostels in
Manly $40 - $150/night.
Note also suburbs around Seaforth also have bed and breakfast
places, close to the venue.

If you don’t need to be in a tourist destination like Manly, then
there is the new Travelodge Manly Warringah, at Brookvale $140/night
1300 886 886
manly@travelodge.com.au 6km 9min It is north of Seaforth along the
main road, not at Manly. Plenty of buses, and fairly close to a very
large shopping complex - Warringah Mall.

Another good Motel is Checkers on Mona Vale Rd, Terry Hills
$140/night 1800026370 15km 15min. Looks a long way off but fast
80kph roads to the venue, via Frenchs Forest.
Other motels are further away in suburbs along the Pacific Highway

There
are infinite options for accommodation and price in the Sydney
City and surrounds at Darling Harbour, Broadway, and Kings Cross.
You would need to get from your hotel to Wynyard area to catch a bus
to Seaforth (12km, 20min); or for a scenic harbour trip get to
Circular Quay then ferry to Manly and then bus or taxi to Seaforth

BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, (Narrabeen
Caravan park) North Narrabeen (02) 9913 7845 14km 18min. As well as
caravans this has all manner of multi-room cabins villas and
bungalows. If there are four or more of you as cheap as
$40/person/night. This is a beach holiday destination.

When to arrive in Sydney – Possible Shell Collecting:

There are great low tides for intertidal collecting
one week before the show. Our members may be able to transport you to
their favourite legal collecting spots to give you a flavour of local
fauna. That is provided there are not too many or too few delegates
interested. Along with your registration, please specify what might be
of interest to you from the list below so we can decide if any should
proceed. Or you may be able to organise something individually with our
members who you know. Trips are all subject to weather and sea
conditions. Note some of Sydney’s headlands and beaches are
no-collection areas (Aquatic Reserves or Intertidal Protected Areas).

In addition, perhaps a SCUBA dive may be possible
for some. This would most likely be in Botany Bay on the Thursday night
(6th).

Marine environments to explore yourself near your
hotels: North Narrabeen rock platform and beach is OK to explore (look
and photos only in part). The rock platform just beyond Shelly Beach Manly (also
great for snorkel). Chinaman’s Beach, Little Bay, and for looking only
Long Reef. Some of the large suburban fish markets occasionally sell
large volutes. Ericusa sowerbyi, Liviona roadnightae, Liviona mammilla, or
Cymbiola magnifica –you never know your luck.